Modular fluid cooling assembly

ABSTRACT

It is described herein a modular fluid cooling assembly. The modular fluid cooling assembly may be assembled from a number of fluid cooling modules and a number of fitting connectors. Each fluid cooling module may comprise a hollow cylinder, an inlet fitting, and an outlet fitting. The hollow cylinder may have an inlet end to which the inlet fitting is connected, an outlet end to which the outlet fitting is connected, a central axis, and a cylinder wall having a cylinder wall thickness in a range of between 0.025 inches and 0.25 inches. Each fitting connector may fluidly connect the inlet fitting of one cooling module to the outlet fitting of another cooling module. The number of fluid cooling modules may be an integer greater than or equal to 1 while the number of fitting connects may equal the number of fluid cooling modules minus 1.

CROSS REFERENCES AND PRIORITIES

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/915,043 filed on 15 Oct. 2019, the teachings of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Fluid cooling systems are well known in the art and are used across avariety of applications and industries. The general concept of a fluidcooling system involves a heat exchanger in which the transfer of heatbetween a solid object and a fluid (gas or liquid) occurs. Conventionalheat exchangers are of a tube design in which the hot fluid passesthrough the tube which is made of a solid material and the hot fluidtransfers heat to the solid tube, thereby cooling the hot fluid.

Often a cooling mechanism such as cooled air, cold water, refrigerants,and the like are passed over and/or around the outer surface of the tubeto continuously cool the solid material. These cooling mechanisms may beaided by surface modifications to the outer and/or inner surface of thetube to increase the surface area that is in contact with the coolingmechanism, thereby providing greater cooling of the solid material andhence more cooling of the hot fluid.

Many applications exist for fluid cooling systems—particularly withinautomobiles. Specific non-limiting examples include radiators forcooling the engine's water and/or antifreeze, intercoolers for coolingcompressed gasses in a forced air induction system such as aturbocharger, oil coolers for cooling engine oil, and transmissioncoolers for cooling transmission fluid.

Conventional systems utilize a cooling system of a standard size andconfiguration. For example, a standard automotive core radiator may have0.5 inch diameter tubes on 0.5625 centers made to fit the particularmake and model of vehicle. These standard sizes and configurations limitthe ability to adjust the cooling profile for various fluids as coolingneeds change due to performance enhancements, engine wear, or otherfactors.

The need exists, therefore, for a fluid cooling system which can beadapted for changing cooling needs.

SUMMARY

A modular fluid cooling assembly is disclosed. The modular fluid coolingassembly may be assembled from a plurality (n) of cooling modules. Thecooling modules may comprise a hollow cylinder, an inlet fitting, and anoutlet fitting.

The hollow cylinder may have an inlet end, an outlet end opposite theinlet end, a central axis, and a cylinder wall. The cylinder wall maycomprise an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the outer surfaceand the inner surface define a cylinder wall thickness having a value ina range of between 0.025 inches and 0.25 inches.

The inlet fitting may be connected to the inlet end of the hollowcylinder. Similarly, the outlet fitting may be connected to the outletend of the hollow cylinder. The inlet fitting of one cooling module maybe fluidly connected to the outlet fitting of another cooling module orto a hot fluid source. Similarly, the outlet fitting of one coolingmodule may be fluidly connected to the inlet fitting of another coolingmodule or to the hot fluid source. i as set forth in n_(i) may be aninteger greater than or equal to 1. The total number of cooling modulesmay be less than or equal to 100.

In some embodiments, the modular fluid cooling assembly may furthercomprise n_(i)−1 fitting connectors. Each fitting connector may fluidlyconnect the inlet fitting of one cooling module to the outlet fitting ofanother cooling module.

In some embodiments, the outer surface of the cylinder wall may compriseat least one outer surface modification. The at least one outer surfacemodification may be selected from the group consisting of at least oneouter surface longitudinal protrusion, at least one outer surfacehelical protrusion, at least one outer surface radial protrusion, atleast one outer surface longitudinal recess, at least one outer surfacehelical recess, at least one outer surface radial recess, andcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the outer surface modification may comprise aplurality of outer surface longitudinal protrusions where each outersurface longitudinal protrusion may have a first trapezoidalcrossectional profile (187) which may have a first trapezoidalcross-sectional profile height dimension (188), a first trapezoidalcross-sectional profile major width dimension (189A), and a firsttrapezoidal cross-sectional profile minor width dimension (189B). Afirst ratio between an outer diameter of the hollow cylinder withoutprotrusions (155A) and an outer diameter of the hollow cylinder withprotrusions (155B) may be in a range of between 0.5:1 and 1:1. A secondratio between the first trapezoidal crossectional profile heightdimension and the first trapezoidal cross-sectional profile major widthdimension may be in a range of between 0.25:1 and 5:1. A third ratiobetween the first trapezoidal cross-sectional profile minor widthdimension and the first trapezoidal cross-sectional profile major widthdimension may be in a range of between and 0.5:1 and 1:1.

In some embodiments, the inner surface of the cylinder wall may compriseat least one inner surface modification. The at least one inner surfacemodification may be selected from the group consisting of at least oneinner surface longitudinal protrusion, at least one inner surfacehelical protrusion, at least one inner surface radial protrusion, atleast one inner surface longitudinal recess, at least one inner surfacehelical recess, at least one inner surface radial recess, andcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the inner surface modification may comprise aplurality of inner surface longitudinal protrusions where each innersurface modification may have a second trapezoidal cross-sectionalprofile which may have a second trapezoidal cross. sectional profileheight dimension, a second trapezoidal cross-sectional profile majorwidth dimension, and a second trapezoidal cross-sectional profile minorwidth dimension. A fourth ratio between an inner diameter of the hollowcylinder without protrusions and an inner diameter of the hollowcylinder with protrusions may be in a range of between 0.5:1 and 1:1. Afifth ratio between the second trapezoidal cross-sectional profileheight dimension and the second trapezoidal cross-sectional profilemajor width dimension may be in a range of between 0.25:1 and 5:1. Asixth ratio between the second trapezoidal cross-sectional profile majorwidth dimension and the second trapezoidal cross-sectional profile minorwidth dimension may be in a range of between 0.5:1 and 1:1.

In some embodiments, the modular fluid cooling assembly may comprise amounting bracket connected to at least one of the fluid cooling modulesin a first plane perpendicular to the central axis at a point on theouter surface and/or an optional outer surface modification. Themounting bracket may comprise at least one mounting hole (405) passingthrough the mounting bracket in a second plane perpendicular to thefirst plane.

In some embodiments, the mounting bracket may be integrally connected toat least one hollow cylinder of the fluid cooling modules. In otherembodiments, the mounting bracket may be integrally connected to eachhollow cylinder of the fluid cooling modules.

In some embodiments, the mounting bracket may comprise a mountingbracket base, at least one clamp, and at least one fastener. Themounting bracket base may comprise the at least one mounting hole and atleast one base clamp hole. The at least one clamp may comprise a firstclamp section and a second clamp section. The first clamp section maycomprise at least one first clamp section hole and a plurality (FCR) offirst curvilinear recesses. The second clamp section may comprise atleast one second clamp section hole and a plurality (SCR) of secondcurvilinear recesses. The at least one fastener may pass through thefirst clamp section hole, the second clamp section hole, and may attachto the base clamp hole. Each of the first curvilinear recesses may bemated to one of the second curvilinear recesses to form an aperturehaving an inside diameter which is between 0.01% and 0.1% smaller thanthe greater of an outer diameter of the hollow cylinder with protrusionsor an outer diameter of the hollow cylinder without protrusions.

As used in FCR_(x) and SCR_(x), x may be a positive integer less than orequal to i. In some embodiments, x may be a positive integer greaterthan i.

In some embodiments, the modular fluid cooling assembly may furthercomprise a heat sink extending from a mounting bracket outer surface. Insome embodiments, the modular fluid cooling assembly may comprise a heatsink extending from a mounting bracket base outer surface.

In some embodiments, each hollow cylinder may independently comprise amaterial selected from the group consisting of aluminum, brass, copper,and steel.

The modular fluid cooling assembly may comprise at least two fluidcooling modules wherein the fluid cooling modules are arranged in aside-by-side linear arrangement. In alternative embodiments, the fluidcooling modules may be arranged in a stacked column arrangementcomprising at least two columns and at least two rows wherein eachcolumn comprises at least two fluid cooling modules and each rowcomprises at least two fluid cooling modules.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of at least one of the fluidcooling modules may be fluidly sealed within a chiller box. The chillerbox may be fluidly connected to a secondary fluid source. The secondaryfluid source may be selected from the group consisting of an engineradiator and a cold water reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a fluidcooling module as described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts an assembled perspective view of the embodiment of afluid cooling module of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of amodular fluid cooling assembly as described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts an assembled perspective view of the embodiment of amodular fluid cooling assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 depicts an assembled perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of a modular fluid cooling assembly as described herein.

FIG. 6 depicts an assembled perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of a modular fluid cooling assembly as described herein.

FIG. 7A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a hollow cylinderas described herein.

FIG. 7B depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of ahollow cylinder as described herein.

FIG. 7C depicts a perspective view of another alternative embodiment ofa hollow cylinder as described herein.

FIG. 7D depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a hollowcylinder as described herein.

FIG. 7E depicts a perspective view of another alternative embodiment ofa hollow cylinder as described herein.

FIG. 7F depicts a perspective view of another alternative embodiment ofa hollow cylinder as described herein.

FIG. 8A depicts a cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of a hollowcylinder as described herein.

FIG. 8B depicts a cut-away perspective view of an alternative embodimentof a hollow cylinder as described herein.

FIG. 8C depicts a cut-away perspective view of another alternativeembodiment of a hollow cylinder as described herein.

FIG. 8D depicts a cut-away perspective view of another embodiment of ahollow cylinder as described herein.

FIG. 8E depicts a cut-away perspective view of another alternativeembodiment of a hollow cylinder as described herein.

FIG. 8F depicts a cut-away perspective view of another alternativeembodiment of a hollow cylinder as described herein.

FIG. 9 depicts an end-cap view of one embodiment of a hollow cylinder asdescribed herein.

FIG. 10 depicts a cross-section view of one embodiment of a modularfluid cooling assembly as described herein.

FIG. 11 depicts a cross-section view of an alternative embodiment of amodular fluid cooling assembly as described herein.

FIG. 12 depicts a cross-section view of another alternative embodimentof a modular fluid cooling assembly as described herein.

FIG. 13 depicts a cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of amodular fluid cooling assembly with a chiller box as described herein.

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of the embodiment of a modular fluidcooling assembly with a chiller box of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is a modular fluid cooling assembly. The modular fluidcooling assembly is described below with reference to the Figures. Asdescribed herein and in the claims, the following numbers refer to thefollowing structures as noted in the Figures.

-   -   5 refers to a modular fluid cooling assembly.    -   10 refers to a fluid cooling module.    -   20 refers to a fitting connector.    -   100 refers to a hollow cylinder.    -   110 refers to an inlet end (of a hollow cylinder).    -   120 refers to an outlet end (of a hollow cylinder).    -   130 refers to a central axis (of a hollow cylinder).    -   140 refers to a cylinder wall (of a hollow cylinder).    -   150 refers to an outer surface (of a hollow cylinder).    -   155A refers to an outer diameter of the hollow cylinder without        protrusions.    -   155B refers to an outer diameter of the hollow cylinder with        protrusions.    -   160 refers to an inner surface (of a hollow cylinder).    -   165A refers to an inner diameter of the hollow cylinder without        protrusions.    -   165B refers to an inner diameter of the hollow cylinder with        protrusions.    -   170 refers to a cylinder wall thickness.    -   180 refers to an outer surface modification.    -   181 refers to an outer surface longitudinal protrusion.    -   182 refers to an outer surface helical protrusion.    -   183 refers to an outer surface radial protrusion.    -   184 refers to an outer surface longitudinal recess.    -   185 refers to an outer surface helical recess.    -   186 refers to an outer surface radial recess.    -   187 refers to a first trapezoidal cross-sectional profile.    -   188 refers to a first trapezoidal cross-sectional profile height        dimension.    -   189A refers to a first trapezoidal cross-sectional profile major        width dimension.    -   189B refers to a first trapezoidal cross-sectional profile minor        width dimension.    -   190 refers to an inner surface modification.    -   191 refers to an inner surface longitudinal protrusion.    -   192 refers to an inner surface helical protrusion.    -   193 refers to an inner surface radial protrusion.    -   194 refers to an inner surface longitudinal recess.    -   195 refers to an inner surface helical recess.    -   196 refers to an inner surface radial recess.    -   197 refers to a second trapezoidal cross-sectional profile.    -   198 refers to a second trapezoidal cross-sectional profile        height dimension.    -   199A refers to a second trapezoidal crossectional profile major        width dimension.    -   199B refers to a second trapezoidal cross-sectional profile        minor width dimension.    -   200 refers to an inlet fitting.    -   300 refers to an outlet fitting.    -   400 refers to a mounting bracket.    -   405 refers to a mounting hole.    -   410 refers to a mounting bracket base.    -   412 refers to a base clamp hole.    -   414 refers to a mounting bracket base outer surface.    -   420 refers to a clamp.    -   421 refers to a first clamp section.    -   422 refers to a first clamp section hole.    -   423 refers to a first curvilinear recess.    -   424 refers to a second clamp section.    -   425 refers to a second clamp section hole.    -   426 refers to a second curvilinear recess.    -   430 refers to a heat sink.    -   440 refers to a mounting bracket outer surface.    -   500 refers to a chiller box.    -   510 refers to a coolant port.

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspective view of a fluid cooling module(10) for a modular fluid cooling assembly. As shown in FIG. 1, the fluidcooling module may comprise a hollow cylinder (100), an inlet fitting(200), and an outlet fitting (300). The hollow cylinder (100) has aninlet end (110), an outlet end (120) opposite the inlet end, and acentral axis (130).

It is understood that the terms “inlet end” and “outlet end” as usedherein and in the claims refer to the flow direction of a fluid flowingthrough the cooling module. The term “inlet end” meaning the end of thehollow cylinder through which the hot fluid (i.e.—the fluid to becooled) is introduced into the hollow cylinder, and the term “outletend” meaning the end of the hollow cylinder through which the fluidexits the hollow cylinder. As used herein and in the claims the term“hot fluid” refers to a fluid such as water, antifreeze, oil,transmission fluid, combustion gases, and the like having a temperatureupon entering the modular fluid cooling assembly (5) which is in a rangeof between 20° C. and 350° C., more preferably between 35° C. and 300°C., with between 50° C. and 250° C. being most preferable. It will beunderstood that, upon exiting the modular fluid cooling assembly (5),the fluid will have a temperature which is below (i.e.—cooler than) thetemperature of the fluid upon entering the modular fluid coolingassembly. Depending upon the configuration of the individual coolingmodule relative to the hot fluid source and/or the other individualcooling modules, either end of the individual cooling module may be theinlet end or the outlet end.

Similarly, it is understood that the terms “inlet fitting” and “outletfitting” as used herein and in the claims also refers to the flowdirection of a fluid flowing through the cooling module. The term “inletfitting” meaning the fitting connected to the hollow cylinder at the endof the hollow cylinder through which the hot fluid is introduced intothe fluid cooling module, and the term “outlet fitting” meaning thefitting connected to the hollow cylinder at the end of the hollowcylinder through which the fluid exits the fluid cooling module.Depending upon the configuration of the individual cooling modulerelative to the hot fluid source and/or the other individual coolingmodules, either fitting of the individual cooling module may be theinlet fitting or the outlet fitting.

Each hollow cylinder (100) also has a cylinder wall (140 as shown inFIG. 9) comprising an outer surface (150 as shown in FIG. 9) and aninner surface (160 as shown in FIG. 9) which define a cylinder wallthickness (170 as shown in FIG. 9). In preferred embodiments, thecylinder wall thickness will have a value in a range of between 0.025inches and 0.25 inches.

FIG. 2 depicts an assembled perspective view of the fluid cooling module(10) shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the inlet fitting (200) may beconnected to the inlet end (110 as shown in FIG. 1) of the hollowcylinder (100). Similarly, the outlet fitting (300) may be connected tothe outlet end (120 as shown in FIG. 1) of the hollow cylinder (100).

The connection between the inlet fitting (200) and the inlet end (110)of the hollow cylinder (100), and/or the outlet fitting (300) and theoutlet end (120) of the hollow cylinder (100) respectively may take manyforms. In some embodiments, these connections may be integralconnections such as manufacturing the hollow cylinder (100) and theinlet fitting (200) and/or the outlet fitting (300) of a single unitarypiece of material. Another example of an integral connection involveswelding one or both of the inlet fitting (200) and/or the outlet fitting(300) to the respective inlet end (110) or outlet end (120) of thehollow cylinder (100).

In some embodiments, the connection between the inlet fitting (200) andthe inlet end (110) of the hollow cylinder (100), and/or the outletfitting (300) and the outlet end (120) of the hollow cylinder (100)respectively may be a removable connection. A preferred removableconnection is a threaded connection in which threads on an inner surfaceof one component are mated to corresponding threads on an outer surfaceof a second component. For example, the inner surface (160 as shown inFIG. 9) of the hollow cylinder (100) may be threaded at either or bothof the inlet end (110) and/or the outlet end (120) while an outersurface of the respective inlet fitting (200) and/or outlet fitting(300) may be threaded to mate with the threads of the inlet end (110)and/or the outlet end (120). This type of threaded connection may beassisted by an adhesive and/or a thread sealing tape such as Teflon®tape applied to the threads to reduce or prevent the respective fittingsfrom loosening and becoming disconnected from the hollow cylinder duringuse.

FIG. 3 depicts an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of amodular fluid cooling assembly (5) assembled from two fluid coolingmodules (10) and a fitting connector (20). While the embodiments shownin FIG. 3 include fitting connectors—the fitting connector is notconsidered a required limitation. Any type of device for fluidlyconnecting two fluid cooling modules may be utilized.Alternative—non-limiting examples of such devices may include one ormore valves, one or more hoses, one or more conduits, and combinationsthereof.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fitting connector (20)—when used—is configuredto provide a 180° bend angle so that the fluid cooling modules (10) arein a side by side configuration. However, other configurations offitting connectors may exist. For example, any one individual fittingconnector (20) may be configured to provide a 90° bend angle so that thefluid cooling modules (10) are in an “L” shaped configuration. Inanother example, any one individual fitting connector (20) may beconfigured to provide a 0° bend angle so that the fluid cooling modules(10) are in a linear configuration.

The configuration of fitting connectors may also be expressed asproviding a bend angle within a specific range. In other words, any oneindividual fitting connector may be configured to individually provide abend angle in a range selected from the group consisting of between 0°and 180°, between 30° and 180°, between 60° and 180, between 90° and180°, between 90° and 150°, or between 90° and 120°.

FIG. 4 depicts an assembled perspective view of the modular fluidcooling assembly (5) assembled from two fluid cooling modules (10) and afitting connector (20) shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the fittingconnector (20) fluidly connects the inlet fitting (200) of one fluidcooling module to the outlet fitting (300) of another fluid coolingmodule.

The modular fluid cooling assembly (5) may be adapted to add, remove,replace, or reposition individual fluid cooling modules (10) as neededor desired for the specific application. In this regard, the modularfluid cooling assembly (5) can be thought of as being assembled from anumber (n) of fluid cooling modules (10) with i being an integer greaterthan or equal to 1.

In embodiments utilizing fitting connectors (20), there may be n_(i)−1fitting connectors. In other words, in any specific modular fluidcooling assembly (5) which utilizes fitting connectors there will be oneless fitting connector (20) than there are fluid cooling modules (10).This allows one of the fluid cooling modules (10) to be fluidlyconnected at its inlet end (110) via its inlet fitting (200) to a hotfluid source in order to receive the hot fluid from the hot fluid sourcewhile another fluid cooling module is fluidly connected at its outletend (120) via its outlet fitting (300) back to the hot fluid source toreturn the cooled fluid which has passed through the modular fluidcooling assembly back to the hot fluid source. Non-limiting examples ofa hot fluid source may include an engine water jacket, a turbocharger,an engine oil pump, and a transmission. One of ordinary skill willrecognize that, in embodiments where there is a single fluid coolingmodule (i.e.—i equals 1) there may be no fitting connectors. As usedherein and in the claims—the term “hot fluid” as used in the phrase “hotfluid source” refers to a fluid having a temperature as it passes intothe modular fluid cooling assembly which is in a range of between 20° C.and 350° C., more preferably between 35° C. and 300° C., with between50° C. and 250° C. being most preferable.

As one example, FIG. 5 depicts an assembled perspective view of amodular fluid cooling assembly (5) comprising four fluid cooling modules(10) arranged in a side-by-side arrangement and connected to one anotherby three fitting connectors (20A, 20B, and 20C). In this arrangement,each of the fitting connectors provides a 180° bend angle allowing forthe side-by-side arrangement.

In the FIG. 5 modular fluid cooling assembly (5), a hot fluid from a hotfluid source such as an engine or transmission is introduced into themodular fluid cooling assembly (5) through the first inlet fitting(200A) of the first fluid cooling module. The hot fluid then flowsthrough the first hollow cylinder (100A) from the first inlet end to thefirst outlet end where it exits the first cooling module through thefirst outlet fitting (300A). As the hot fluid is passing through thefirst cooling module it transfers heat to the first hollow cylinder(100A), thereby cooling the fluid.

In the FIG. 5 modular fluid cooling assembly (5), after exiting thefirst cooling module through the first outlet fitting (300A) the hotfluid passes through a first fitting connector (20A) to the second inletfitting (200B) of the second fluid cooling module. The hot fluid thenflows through the second hollow cylinder (100B) from the second inletend to the second outlet end where it exits the second cooling modulethrough the second outlet fitting (300B). As the hot fluid is passingthrough the second cooling module it transfers additional heat to thesecond hollow cylinder (100B), thereby providing additional cooling ofthe fluid.

Next, in the FIG. 5 modular fluid cooling assembly (5), after exitingthe second cooling module through the second outlet fitting (300B) thehot fluid passes through a second fitting connector (20B) to the thirdinlet fitting (200C) of the third fluid cooling module. The hot fluidthen flows through the third hollow cylinder (100C) from the third inletend to the third outlet end where it exits the third cooling modulethrough the third outlet fitting (300C). As the hot fluid is passingthrough the third cooling module it transfers additional heat to thethird hollow cylinder (100C), thereby providing additional cooling ofthe fluid.

Finally, in the FIG. 5 modular fluid cooling assembly (5) after exitingthe third cooling module through the third outlet fitting (300C) the hotfluid passes through a third fitting connector (20C) to the fourth inletfitting (200D) of the fourth fluid cooling module. The hot fluid thenflows through the fourth hollow cylinder (100D) from the fourth inletend to the fourth outlet end where it exits the fourth fluid coolingmodule through the fourth outlet fitting (300D) to be reintroduced tothe hot fluid source. As the hot fluid is passing through the fourthcooling module it transfers additional heat to the fourth hollowcylinder (100D), thereby providing additional cooling of the fluid.

Another example is depicted in FIG. 6 which shows an assembledperspective view of a modular fluid cooling assembly (5) comprising fourfluid cooling modules arranged in a 2×2 stacked arrangement andconnected to one another by three fitting connectors. In thisconfiguration, each of the fitting connectors (20) provides a 180° bendangle allowing for the side-by-side stacked arrangement.

The flow of the hot fluid through the various fluid cooling modules inthe FIG. 6 embodiment is similar to that of the flow of hot fluidthrough the various fluid cooling modules in the FIG. 5 embodiment. Theonly difference being that, in the FIG. 6 embodiment the various fluidcooling modules are arranged in a 2×2 stacked arrangement whereas in theFIG. 5 embodiment the various fluid cooling modules are arranged in aside-by-side arrangement.

While examples are shown having two (FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) and four (FIG. 5and FIG. 6) fluid cooling modules (10) respectively, the number of fluidcooling modules may not be so limited. The number of fluid coolingmodules in any specific modular fluid cooling assembly will depend upona number of factors including the type of fluid being cooled and thedesired temperature to which the fluid should be cooled. Withoutlimitation, the total number of fluid cooling modules (10) may be in arange selected from the group consisting of between 1 and 100, between 1and 75, between 1 and 50, between 1 and 25, between 1 and 10, between 1and 8, between 1 and 6, and between 1 and 4.

The arrangement of the individual fluid cooling modules may also vary.While side-by-side (FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5) and stacked (FIG. 6)arrangements are shown, many other arrangements may exist by varying thenumber of fluid cooing modules and the bend angle of the individualfitting connectors. Specific non-limiting examples of differentarrangements may include a side-by-side arrangement of two or more fluidcooling modules, a 1×2 stacked arrangement of three fluid coolingmodules, a 2×2 stacked arrangement of four fluid cooling modules, a 4×2stacked arrangement of six fluid cooling modules, a 3×3 stackedarrangement of nine fluid cooling modules, an “L” shaped arrangement oftwo fluid cooling modules, a “U” shaped arrangement of three fluidcooling modules, and a square shaped arrangement of four fluid coolingmodules.

Non-limiting examples of preferred arrangements for the individual fluidcooling modules include a side-by-side linear arrangement or a stackedcolumn arrangement. In a side-by-side linear arrangement there will beat least two fluid cooling modules wherein a substantially straight linecan be drawn between the central axis of each fluid cooling module.Examples of such arrangements are shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. While FIG.4 and FIG. 5 show side-by-side linear arrangements having 2 and 4 fluidcooling modules respectively, the number of fluid cooling modules maynot be so limited. Depending upon the application, the number of fluidcooling modules in a side-by-side linear arrangement may be in the rangeof between 2 and 100.

In a stacked column arrangement there may be at least two columns and atleast two rows. Each column may comprise at least two fluid coolingmodules while each row may comprise at least two fluid cooling modules.An example of such an arrangement is shown in FIG. 6—which is a modularfluid cooling assembly having two columns each having two fluid coolingmodules, and two rows each having two fluid cooling modules. In FIG. 6,the first column may be considered to comprise the second fluid coolingmodule (100B) and the third fluid cooling module (100C) while the secondcolumn may be considered to comprise the first fluid cooling module(100A) and the fourth fluid cooling module (100D). The first row may beconsidered to comprise the second fluid cooling module (100B) and thefirst fluid cooling module (100A) while the second row may be consideredto comprise the third fluid cooling module (100C) and the fourth fluidcooling module (100D).

While FIG. 6 shows two columns of two fluid cooling modules and two rowsof two fluid cooling modules, the configurations may not be so limited.Depending upon the application, the number of columns may be in therange of between 2 and 100, the number of rows may be in the range ofbetween 2 and 100, the number of fluid cooling modules in each columnmay be between 2 and 100, and the number of fluid cooling modules ineach row may be between 2 and 100. While each column may have the samenumber of fluid cooling modules, and each row may have the same numberof fluid cooling modules, it is not considered important for each columnand/or each row to have the same number of fluid cooling modules. Forexample, embodiments may exist having four columns and four rows withthe first and second column having two fluid cooling modules, the thirdand fourth column having two fluid cooling modules, the first and secondrow having two fluid cooling modules, and the third and fourth rowhaving four fluid cooling modules.

The outer surface of the cylinder wall of each hollow cylinder mayindividually comprise at least one outer surface modification (180 asshown in FIG. 9). The outer surface modification may be selected fromthe group consisting of protrusions and recesses. As used herein and inthe claims with reference to an outer surface modification a protrusionrefers to an outer surface modification formed by material which extendsfrom the outer surface of the cylinder wall while a recess refers anouter surface modification formed by removing material from the outersurface of the cylinder wall.

The protrusions and/or recesses may each be arranged in a pattern whichis longitudinal, helical or radial. As used herein and in the claimswith reference to an outer surface modification (180 as shown in FIG.9), the term longitudinal means that the protrusion or recess originatesat a first point along the outer surface (150 as shown in FIG. 9) of thecylinder wall (140 as shown in FIG. 9) and extends along a length of thecylinder wall towards a second point along the outer surface of thecylinder wall in a plane parallel to the central axis (130 as shown inFIG. 1) of the hollow cylinder (100). As used herein and in the claimswith reference to an outer surface modification, the term helical meansthat the protrusion or recess originates at a first point along theouter surface of the cylinder wall and extends along a length of thecylinder wall towards a second point along the outer surface of thecylinder wall while also wrapping around the diameter of the outersurface of the cylinder wall as it extends from the first point to thesecond point. As used herein and in the claims with reference to anouter surface modification, the term radial means that the protrusion orrecess wraps around the diameter of the outer surface of the cylinderwall in a plane substantially perpendicular with or perpendicular withthe central axis of the hollow cylinder.

Various examples of an outer surface modification are shown in FIG. 7Athrough FIG. 7F. For example, FIG. 7A depicts a hollow cylinder havingat least one outer surface longitudinal protrusion (181). FIG. 7Bdepicts a hollow cylinder having at least one outer surface helicalprotrusion (182), FIG. 7C depicts a hollow cylinder having at least oneouter surface radial protrusion (183). FIG. 7D depicts a hollow cylinderhaving at least one outer surface longitudinal recess (184). FIG. 7Edepicts a hollow cylinder having at least one outer surface helicalrecess (185). FIG. 7F depicts a hollow cylinder having at least oneouter surface radial recess (186). While FIG. 7A through FIG. 7F showhollow cylinders having only one type of outer surface modification,embodiments may exist in which any individual hollow cylinder comprisesa combination of different types of outer surface modifications, forexample, a hollow cylinder having at least one outer surfacelongitudinal protrusion and at least one outer surface helical recess.

Similarly, the inner surface of the cylinder wall of each hollowcylinder may individually comprise at least one inner surfacemodification (190 as shown in FIG. 9). The inner surface modificationmay be selected from the group consisting of protrusions and recesses.As used herein and in the claims with reference to an inner surfacemodification a protrusion refers to an inner surface modification formedby material which extends from the inner surface of the cylinder wallwhile a recess refers an inner surface modification formed by removingmaterial from the inner surface of the cylinder wall.

The protrusions and/or recesses may each be arranged in a pattern whichis longitudinal, helical or radial. As used herein and in the claimswith reference to an inner surface modification (190 as shown in FIG.9), the term longitudinal means that the protrusion or recess originatesat a first point along the inner surface (160 as shown in FIG. 9) of thecylinder wall (140 as shown in FIG. 9) and extends long a length of thecylinder wall towards a second point along the inner surface of thecylinder wall in a plane parallel to the central axis (130 as shown inFIG. 1) of the hollow cylinder (100). As used herein and in the claimswith reference to an inner surface modification, the term helical meansthat the protrusion or recess originates at a first point along theinner surface of the cylinder wall and extends along a length of thecylinder wall towards a second point along the inner surface of thecylinder wall while also wrapping around the diameter of the innersurface of the cylinder wall as it extends from the first point to thesecond point. As used herein and in the claims with reference to aninner surface modification, the term radial means that the protrusion orrecess wraps around the diameter of the inner surface of the cylinderwall in a plane substantially perpendicular with or perpendicular withthe central axis of the hollow cylinder.

Various examples of an inner surface modification are shown in FIG. 8Athrough FIG. 8F which are cross-sectional top views of hollow cylindershaving different inner surface modifications. For example, FIG. 8Adepicts a hollow cylinder having at least one inner surface longitudinalprotrusion (191). FIG. 8B depicts a hollow cylinder having at least oneinner surface helical protrusion (192), FIG. 8C depicts a hollowcylinder having at least one inner surface radial protrusion (193). FIG.8D depicts a hollow cylinder having at least one inner surfacelongitudinal recess (194). FIG. 8E depicts a hollow cylinder having atleast one inner surface helical recess (195). FIG. 8F depicts a hollowcylinder having at least one inner surface radial recess (196). WhileFIG. 8A through FIG. 8F show hollow cylinders having only one type ofinner surface modification, embodiments may exist in which anyindividual hollow cylinder comprises a combination of different types ofinner surface modifications such as at least one inner surface radialprotrusion and at least one inner surface longitudinal recess.

FIG. 9 depicts an end-cap view of a preferred embodiment of a hollowcylinder (100). As shown in FIG. 9, the preferred embodiment of a hollowcylinder comprises a plurality of outer surface longitudinalprotrusions. Each outer surface longitudinal protrusion in theembodiment depicted in FIG. 9 has a first trapezoidal cross sectionalprofile (187) having a first trapezoidal cross-sectional profile heightdimension (188), a first trapezoidal cross-sectional profile major widthdimension (189A) and a first trapezoidal cross-sectional profile minorwidth dimension (189B).

When the hollow cylinder has outer surface protrusions the hollowcylinder will have two outer diameters. The first outer diameter will bethe outer diameter of the hollow cylinder without protrusions (155A)while the second diameter will be the outer diameter of the hollowcylinder with protrusions (155B). These two outer diameters result in aratio between the outer diameter of the hollow cylinder withoutprotrusions (155A) and the outer diameter of the hollow cylinder withprotrusions (155B) which is in a range of between 0.5:1 and 1:1, between0.6:1 and 1:1, between 0.7:1 and 1:1, between 0.8:1 and 1:1, and between0.9:1 and 1:1.

In the preferred outer surface longitudinal protrusions as shown in FIG.9 there will also be a ratio between the first trapezoidalcross-sectional profile height dimension (188) and the first trapezoidalcross-sectional profile major width dimension (189A) which is in a rangeselected from the group consisting of between 0.25:1 and 5:1, between0.25:1 and 4:1, between 0.25:1 and 3:1, between 0.25:1 and 2:1, between0.25:1 and 1:1, between 0.5:1 and 5:1, between 0.5:1 and 4:1, between0.5:1 and 3:1, between 0.5:1 and 2:1, between 0.5:1 and 1:1, between 1:1and 5:1, between 1:1 and 4:1, between 1:1 and 3:1, and between 1:1 and2:1. Additionally, there will be a ratio between the first trapezoidalcross-sectional profile minor width dimension (189B) and the firsttrapezoidal cross-sectional profile major width dimension (189A) whichis in a range selected from the group consisting of between 0.5:1 and1:1, between 0.6:1 and 1:1, between 0.7:1 and 1:1, between 0.8:1 and1:1, and between 0.9:1 and 1:1.

FIG. 9 also shows the preferred embodiment of a hollow cylindercomprises a plurality of inner surface longitudinal protrusions. Eachinner surface longitudinal protrusion in the embodiment depicted in FIG.9 has a second trapezoidal cross-sectional profile (197) having a secondtrapezoidal cross-sectional profile height dimension (198), a secondtrapezoidal cross-sectional profile major width dimension (199A) and asecond trapezoidal cross-sectional profile minor width dimension (199B).

When the hollow cylinder has inner surface protrusions the hollowcylinder will have two inner diameters. The first inner diameter will bethe inner diameter of the hollow cylinder without protrusions (165A)while the second diameter will be the inner diameter of the hollowcylinder with protrusions (165B). These two inner diameters result in aratio between the inner diameter of the hollow cylinder withoutprotrusions (165A) and the inner diameter of the hollow cylinder withprotrusions (165B) which is in a range of between 1:0.5 and 1:1, between1:0.6 and 1:1, between 1:0.7 and 1:1, between 1:0.8 and 1:1, and between1:0.9 and 1:1.

In the preferred inner surface longitudinal protrusions (191) as shownin FIG. 9 there will also be a ratio between the second trapezoidalcross-sectional profile height dimension (198) and the secondtrapezoidal cross-sectional profile major width dimension (199A) whichis in a range selected from the group consisting of between 0.25:1 and5:1, between 0.25:1 and 4:1, between 0.25:1 and 3:1, between 0.25:1 and2:1, between 0.25:1 and 1:1, between 0.5:1 and 5:1, between 0.5:1 and4:1, between 0.5:1 and 3:1, between 0.5:1 and 2:1, between 0.5:1 and1:1, between 1:1 and 5:1, between 1:1 and 4:1, between 1:1 and 3:1, andbetween 1:1 and 2:1. Additionally, there will be a ratio between thesecond trapezoidal cross-sectional profile minor width dimension (199B)and the second trapezoidal cross-sectional profile major width dimension(199A) which is in a range selected from the group consisting of between0.5:1 and 1:1, between 0.6:1 and 1:1, between 0.7:1 and 1:1, between0.8:1 and 1:1, and between 0.9:1 and 1:1.

The result of the preferred hollow cylinder (100) having the preferredouter surface longitudinal protrusions and the preferred inner surfacelongitudinal protrusions as shown in FIG. 9 is a hollow cylinder havingan increased surface area for exchanging heat with the hot fluid as itflows through the hollow cylinder. For example, the most preferredhollow cylinder will have an inner diameter of the hollow cylinderwithout protrusions (165A)—also known as a cylinder bore—of 0.590 inchesand an outer diameter of the hollow cylinder without protrusions (155A)of 0.750 inches resulting in a cylinder wall thickness (170) of 0.160inches. In this FIG. 9 configuration, the outer surface of the hollowcylinder will have a surface area per unit length of 6.713 in² per inchwhile the inner surface of the hollow cylinder will have a surface areaper unit length of 5.0 in² per inch. When the hollow cylinder has alength dimension parallel to the central axis (130) of 11.5 inches, thiswill result in a total exterior surface area of 77.2 in² and a totalinterior surface area of 57.5 in².

Due to its modular nature, the modular fluid cooling assembly may beused to increase the surface area available for exchanging heat with thehot fluid as it passes through the assembly. For instance, a modularfluid cooling assembly comprised of a single fluid cooling module of thetype and dimensions described in the preceding paragraph would have atotal surface area available for exchanging heat with the hot fluid of134.7 in² (not including the surface area of the inlet fitting, theoutlet fitting, or any fitting connectors). By adding a second fluidcooling module (also of the type and dimensions described in thepreceding paragraph), the total surface area available for exchangingheat with the hot fluid can be doubled to 269.4 in² (not including thesurface area of the inlet fittings, the outlet fittings, or any fittingconnectors). The total surface area available for exchanging heat withthe hot fluid can be further increased by adding additional fluidcooling modules as desired by the user based on the specific end-useapplication.

FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a modularfluid cooling assembly (5) comprising two fluid cooling modules. Asshown in FIG. 10, the fluid cooling modules may be connected to oneanother by a mounting bracket (400).

The mounting bracket (400) depicted in FIG. 10 may be considered adetachable mounting bracket. As shown in FIG. 10, the detachablemounting bracket may comprise a mounting bracket base (410) comprisingat least one mounting hole (405) passing through the mounting bracketbase (410) in a plane substantially perpendicular to or perpendicular tothe central axis (130 as shown in FIG. 1) of the hollow cylinder (100 asshown in FIG. 1). The mounting bracket base (410) may also comprise atleast one base clamp hole (412) which passes at least partially throughthe mounting bracket base (410) in a plane substantially perpendicularto or perpendicular to the central axis of the hollow cylinder. Themounting bracket (400) shown in FIG. 10 may also comprise at least oneclamp (420) comprising a first clamp section (421) and a second clampsection (424). The detachable mounting bracket as shown in FIG. 10 mayalso comprise at least one fastener.

The first clamp section (421) of the detachable mounting bracket asshown in FIG. 10 may comprise at least one first clamp section hole(422) and a plurality (FCR) of first curvilinear recesses (423).Similarly, the second clamp section (424) of the detachable mountingbracket as shown in FIG. 10 may comprise at least one second clampsection hole (425) and a plurality (SCR) of second curvilinear recesses(426). When assembled, the at least one fastener passes through thefirst clamp section hole (422), the second clamp section hole (425), andattaches to the base clamp hole (412). Preferably the at least onefastener is a threaded fastener which attaches to a threaded base clamphole.

The plurality (FCR_(x)) of first curvilinear recesses (423) and theplurality (SCR) of second curvilinear recesses (426) are preferablyequal to one another with each individual first curvilinear recess matedto a corresponding second curvilinear recess when the detachablemounting bracket is assembled to form an aperture. Said aperturepreferably has an inside diameter which is between 0.01% and 0.1%smaller than the greater of the outside diameter of the hollow cylinderwith protrusions (155B) or the outside diameter of the hollow cylinderwithout protrusions (155A). This allows the clamp to apply a clampingforce radially around one or more of the hollow cylinders when thedetachable mounting bracket is assembled onto the fluid cooling modules(10).

The number of clamps, as well as the number of first curvilinearrecesses and the number of second curvilinear recesses is not consideredimportant and will largely be a product of the number and configurationof fluid cooling modules used for the desired application. While notnecessary, the number of first curvilinear recesses and the number ofsecond curvilinear recesses should be less than or equal to the numberof fluid cooling modules. That is to say that x in FCR_(x) and SCR_(x)is generally a positive integer less than or equal to i in n_(i).However, embodiments may exist where the number of first curvilinearrecesses and the number of second curvilinear recesses is greater thanthe number of fluid cooling modules to allow the user to add additionalfluid cooling modules to adjust the fluid cooling. In such embodiments xmay be a positive integer greater than i.

In embodiments having a single clamp, the number of first curvilinearrecesses and second curvilinear recesses preferably will equal thenumber of fluid cooling modules. For example, in a modular fluid coolingassembly (5) having two fluid cooling modules as shown in FIG. 10, theclamp (420) will have two separate first curvilinear recessescorresponding to two separate second curvilinear recesses to form twoseparate apertures. The two separate apertures will each independentlyprovide a radial clamping force to one of the two fluid cooling modules.Additional embodiments may exist in which the first clamp has any numberof first curvilinear recesses and second curvilinear recesses in therange of between 2 and 100.

Examples may exist having multiple clamps. For example, the modularfluid cooling assembly (5) may comprise four fluid cooling modules (10)arranged in a stacked 2×2 configuration as shown in FIG. 6. In such aconfiguration, the mounting bracket may comprise a first clamp and asecond clamp. The first clamp may comprise two first curvilinearrecesses corresponding to two second curvilinear recesses to form twoseparate apertures while the second clamp may comprise two firstcurvilinear recesses corresponding to two second curvilinear recesses toform two additional separate apertures. Again, the number of clamps andthe number of first curvilinear surfaces and second curvilinear surfaceswithin each clamp is not considered important and will largely be afactor of the number and configuration of fluid cooling modules.

FIG. 11 depicts cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of amodular fluid cooling assembly comprising two fluid cooling modules (10Aand 10B). As shown in FIG. 11, the fluid cooling modules may beconnected to one another by a mounting bracket (400). The mountingbracket (400) shown in FIG. 11 is an integral mounting bracket in that asurface of the mounting bracket is integrally connected to one or moreof the hollow cylinders (100) along the outer surface (150) of thehollow cylinder(s) and/or the outer surface protrusions. One example ofsuch an integral connection may include welding the mounting bracket(400) to the outer surface (150) of the hollow cylinder and/or the outersurface protrusion. Another example of an integral connection mayinclude manufacturing the hollow cylinder (100) and the mounting bracket(400) from a single contiguous piece of material.

FIG. 12 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of amodular fluid cooling assembly comprising two fluid cooling modules (10Aand 10B). As shown in FIG. 12, the modular fluid cooling assembly mayfurther comprise a heat sink (430) connected to the mounting bracket(400) at the mounting bracket outer surface (440). The heat sink (430)may comprise a number of ribs or protrusions arranged in a pattern alongthe mounting bracket outer surface. When utilized, the heat sink (430)provides additional surface area to further improve the cooling effectof the modular fluid cooling assembly (5). While FIG. 12 depicts theheat sink (430) connected to the mounting bracket (400) which isintegrally connected to the two fluid cooling modules (10A and 10B), theheat sink (430) may also be connected to a mounting bracket which isdetachable such as that shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 shows an additional feature of certain embodiments of themodular fluid cooling assembly (5). Specifically, FIG. 13 shows themodular fluid cooling assembly (5) comprising a chiller box (500). Thechiller box provides a sealed containment unit which can both encompassall or a portion of the fluid cooling modules (10) as well as surroundthe fluid cooling modules (10) with a coolant such as water, ice, cooledair, or the like. The chiller box (500) may also include a coolant port(510 as shown in FIG. 14) which allows the coolant to be introduced andremoved from the chiller box before, during, or after operation.

FIG. 14 shows the embodiment of FIG. 13 without the chiller box (500)being partially cut away. In the FIG. 14 view, the hollow cylinders arenot visible as they are fully encompassed by the chiller box (500). Theonly portion of the fluid cooling modules visible in the FIG. 14embodiment are the respective inlet fitting (200) and outlet fitting(300) of the two fluid cooling modules as they pass through a wall ofthe chiller box. However, it is not considered necessary for the inletand/or outlet fitting to pass through the wall of the chiller box. Insome embodiments, the entirety of all fluid cooling modules may beencompassed by the chiller box (500) while an inlet conduit—such as aline or hose—and an outlet conduit—such as a line or hose—passes throughthe sidewall of the chiller box to attach to the respective inletfitting or outlet fitting.

In some embodiments, the chiller box may be fluidly connected to asecondary fluid source. Fluid from the secondary fluid source may enterthe chiller box in a continuous or pulsed flow, where it will surroundat least a portion of the exterior of the modular fluid cooling assemblyto assist in cooling and/or heating the fluid that is within the modularfluid cooling assembly.

For example, in some instances it may be beneficial to heat a fuel—suchas diesel fuel—before introducing it into an internal combustion engine.Heating the fuel assists in atomization and improves engine performance.In such a scenario, the modular fluid cooling assembly may becontained—at least partially—within the chiller box and may be fluidlyconnected to the engine's fuel system while the chiller box may befluidly connected to a secondary fluid source which is the engine'sradiator. As fuel flows through the modular fluid cooling assembly to beintroduced into the combustion chambers of the engine it is heated bythe coolant which flows into the chiller box from the engine's radiatorand surrounds at least a portion of the exterior surfaces of the modularfluid cooling assembly.

In another example, it may be beneficial to cool a fluid—such as engineoil—during engine operation. In such a scenario, the modular fluidcooling assembly may be contained—at least partially—within the chillerbox and may be fluidly connected to the engine's oil pump (either theinlet or outlet side) while the chiller box may be fluidly connected toa secondary fluid source which is a cold water reservoir. As oil flowsthrough the modular fluid cooling assembly to be introduced into theengine it is cooled by cold water which flows into the chiller box fromthe cold water reservoir and surrounds at least a portion of theexterior surface of the modular fluid cooling assembly.

While the chiller box has been described above with reference to heatingfuel using hot engine coolant, and cooling oil using cold water,applications for the chiller box may not be so limited. The chiller boxmay be used to assist with heating or cooling any number of fluidspassing through the modular fluid cooling assembly including fuel, oil,transmission fluid, water, anti-freeze, and compressed gases (such asthose from a supercharger). The secondary fluid source may be any numberof fluid sources including an engine radiator and a cold waterreservoir. When used, the cold water reservoir may contain ice water. Itis preferable that—when the chiller box is fluidly connected to asecondary fluid source—the fluid connection allows for a first portionof fluid to be introduced into the chiller box while simultaneously asecond portion of fluid is removed from the chiller box to maintaincirculation of the fluid around the exterior surface of the modularfluid cooling assembly.

While the FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 embodiments show a chiller box having arectangular cube configuration many different configurations may exist.Non-limiting examples of different chiller box configurations include asquare cube configuration, a rectangular cube configuration, and acylindrical configuration.

The hollow cylinders (100) described herein may be manufactured of avariety of materials using a variety of manufacturing techniques.Examples of preferred materials include aluminum, copper, brass, andsteel. One preferred manufacturing technique is metal tube extrusion inwhich a blank piece of metal is forced through a die having the desiredcross-sectional profile in order to apply the desired surfacemodifications. Following the extrusion process the hollow cylinder maybe subjected to additional machining—such as on a mill or lathe—toinclude additional surface features and/or to add threads to the inletand/or outlet end of the hollow cylinder for connecting the inlet and/oroutlet fitting.

Examples

Cooling data was obtained on various embodiments of the modular fluidcooling assembly disclosed herein. The specific modular fluid coolingassembly comprised four fluid cooling modules arranged in a side-by-sidelinear arrangement and connected by three fitting connectors eachproviding a 180° bend angle.

The hollow cylinder of each fluid cooling module comprised both outersurface longitudinal protrusions and inner surface longitudinalprotrusions. The outer surface longitudinal protrusions had a firsttrapezoidal cross-sectional profile having a first trapezoidalcross-sectional profile height dimension of 0.25 inches. The innersurface longitudinal protrusions had a second trapezoidalcross-sectional profile having a second trapezoidal cross-sectionalprofile height dimension of 0.20 inches.

The hollow cylinder of each fluid cooling module had a cylinder wallthickness (without outer surface protrusions or inner surfaceprotrusions) of 0.16 inches. Each hollow cylinder had a length dimensionmeasured along the outer surface of 6.1215 inches.

The modular fluid cooling assembly was submerged in an ice bath toprovide an ambient temperature surrounding the modular fluid coolingassembly. The inlet fitting of the first fluid cooling module wasconnected to a source of hot water while the outlet fitting of thefourth fluid cooling module was connected to an outlet flow linecontaining a temperature sensor. The hot water was allowed to flowthrough the modular fluid cooling assembly at a controlled flow rate andexit through the outlet flow line to simulate water flow through anengine. Temperature of the hot water was measured prior to entering themodular fluid cooling assembly and after exiting the modular fluidcooling assembly. The results of each run are reported below in Table 1showing that in each example the modular fluid cooling assembly cooledthe fluid by at least 20° F.

TABLE 1 Run 1 Run 2 Run 3 Run 4 Flow Rate (GPM) 3 5 3 3 AmbientTemperature (° F.) 40 42 64 61 Inlet Water Temperature (° F.) 107 104103 103 Outlet Water Temperature (° F.) 72 77 83 75 Δ Temperature (° F.)35 27 20 28

Additional tests were conducted on a modular fluid cooling assemblycomprised of two cooling modules arranged in a side-by-side lineararrangement connected by a fitting connector providing a 180° bendangle. Each of the two cooling modules comprised a hollow cylinder ofthe type described above with reference to Runs 1 through 4.

The modular fluid cooling assembly was submerged in an ice bath toprovide an ambient temperature of 36.2° F. surrounding the modular fluidcooling assembly. The inlet fitting of the first fluid cooling modulewas connected to a source of hot water while the outlet fitting of thesecond fluid cooling module was connected to an outlet flow linecontaining a temperature sensor. The hot water was allowed to flowthrough the modular fluid cooling assembly at a controlled flow rate of1 GPM and exit through the outlet flow line to simulate water flowthrough an engine. Temperature of the hot water was measured prior toentering the modular fluid cooling assembly at a temperature of 102° F.and after exiting the modular fluid cooling assembly at a temperature of75° F. In other words, the modular fluid cooling assembly cooled thefluid by 27° F. (Δ Temperature−27° F.).

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular fluid cooling assembly (5) assembledfrom a number (n) of cooling modules (10), each of said fluid coolingmodules comprising: a hollow cylinder (100) having: an inlet end (110),an outlet end (120) opposite the inlet end, a central axis (130), and acylinder wall (140) comprising: an outer surface (150), an inner surface(160), and wherein the outer surface and the inner surface define acylinder wall thickness (170) having a value in a range of between 0.025inches and 0.25 inches; an inlet fitting (200) connected to the inletend; and an outlet fitting (300) connected to the outlet end; andwherein the inlet fitting of one fluid cooling module is fluidlyconnected to the outlet fitting of another fluid cooling module or to ahot fluid source; the outlet fitting of one fluid cooling module isfluidly connected to the inlet fitting of another fluid cooling moduleor to the hot fluid source; i is an integer greater than or equal to 1;and the total number of fluid cooling modules is less than or equal to100.
 2. The modular fluid cooling assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising n_(i)−1 fitting connectors (20) wherein each fittingconnector fluidly connects the inlet fitting of one fluid cooling moduleto the outlet fitting of another fluid cooling module.
 3. The modularfluid cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of thecylinder wall comprises at least one outer surface modification (180).4. The modular fluid cooling assembly of claim 3, wherein the at leastone outer surface modification is selected from the group consisting ofat least one outer surface longitudinal protrusion (181), at least oneouter surface helical protrusion (182), at least one outer surfaceradial protrusion (183), at least one outer surface longitudinal recess(184), at least one outer surface helical recess (185), at least oneouter surface radial recess (186), and combinations thereof.
 5. Themodular fluid cooling assembly of claim 3, wherein the outer surfacemodification comprises a plurality of outer surface longitudinalprotrusions each having a first trapezoidal cross-sectional profile(187) having a first trapezoidal crossectional profile height dimension(188), a first trapezoidal cross-sectional profile major width dimension(189A), and a first trapezoidal cross-sectional profile minor widthdimension (189B); wherein a first ratio between an outer diameter of thehollow cylinder without protrusions (155A) and an outer diameter of thehollow cylinder with protrusions (155B) is in a range of between 0.5:1and 1:1, a second ratio between the first trapezoidal cross-sectionalprofile height dimension and the first trapezoidal cross-sectionalprofile major width dimension is in a range of between 0.25:1 and 5:1,and a third ratio between the first trapezoidal cross-sectional profileminor width dimension and the first trapezoidal cross-sectional profilemajor width dimension is in a range of between and 0.5:1 and 1:1.
 6. Themodular fluid cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner surface ofthe cylinder wall comprises at least one inner surface modification(190).
 7. The modular fluid cooling assembly of claim 6, wherein the atleast one inner surface modification is selected from the groupconsisting of at least one inner surface longitudinal protrusion (191),at least one inner surface helical protrusion (192), at least one innersurface radial protrusion (193), at least one inner surface longitudinalrecess (194), at least one inner surface helical recess (195), at leastone inner surface radial recess (196), and combinations thereof.
 8. Themodular fluid cooling assembly of claim 6, wherein the inner surfacemodification comprises a plurality of inner surface longitudinalprotrusions each having a second trapezoidal cross-sectional profile(197) having a second trapezoidal cross-sectional profile heightdimension (198), a second trapezoidal cross-sectional profile majorwidth dimension (199A), and a second trapezoidal cross-sectional profileminor width dimension (199B); wherein a fourth ratio between an innerdiameter of the hollow cylinder without protrusions (165A) and an innerdiameter of the hollow cylinder with protrusions (165B) is in a range ofbetween 0.5:1 and 1:1, a fifth ratio between the second trapezoidalcross-sectional profile height dimension and the second trapezoidalcross-sectional profile major width dimension is in a range of between0.25:1 and 5:1, and a sixth ratio between the second trapezoidalcross-sectional profile major width dimension and the second trapezoidalcross-sectional profile minor width dimension is in a range of between0.5:1 and 1:1.
 9. The modular fluid cooling assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a mounting bracket (400) connected to at least one of thefluid cooling modules in a first plane perpendicular to the central axisat a point on the outer surface and/or an optional outer surfacemodification, said mounting bracket comprising at least one mountinghole (405) passing through the mounting bracket in a second planeperpendicular to the first plane.
 10. The modular fluid cooling assemblyof claim 9, wherein the mounting bracket is integrally connected to atleast one hollow cylinder of the fluid cooling modules.
 11. The modularfluid cooling assembly of claim 9, further comprising a heat sink (430)extending from a mounting bracket outer surface (440).
 12. The modularfluid cooling assembly of claim 9, wherein the mounting bracketcomprises: a mounting bracket base (410) comprising the at least onemounting hole and at least one base clamp hole (412); at least one clamp(420) comprising: a first clamp section (421) comprising at least onefirst clamp section hole (422) and a plurality (FCR) of firstcurvilinear recesses (423); and a second clamp section (424) comprisingat least one second clamp section hole (425) and a plurality (SCR_(x))of second curvilinear recesses (426); and at least one fastener; andwherein the at least one fastener passes through the first clamp sectionhole, the second clamp section hole, and attaches to the base clamphole; and each of the first curvilinear recesses is mated to one of thesecond curvilinear recesses to form an aperture having an insidediameter which is between 0.01% and 0.1% smaller than the greater of anouter diameter of the hollow cylinder with protrusions (155B) or anouter diameter of the hollow cylinder without protrusions (155A). 13.The modular fluid cooling assembly of claim 12, wherein x is a positiveinteger less than or equal to i.
 14. The modular fluid cooling assemblyof claim 12, wherein x is a positive integer greater than i.
 15. Themodular fluid cooling assembly of claim 12, further comprising a heatsink (430) extending from a mounting bracket base outer surface (414).16. The modular fluid cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein each hollowcylinder independently comprises a material selected from the groupconsisting of aluminum, brass, copper, and steel.
 17. The modular fluidcooling assembly of claim 1, comprising at least two fluid coolingmodules wherein the fluid cooling modules are arranged in a side-by-sidelinear arrangement.
 18. The modular fluid cooling assembly of claim 1,wherein the fluid cooling modules are arranged in a stacked columnarrangement comprising at least two columns and at least two rowswherein each column comprises at least two fluid cooling modules andeach row comprises at least two fluid cooling modules.
 19. The modularfluid cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of atleast one of the fluid cooling modules is fluidly sealed within achiller box (500).
 20. The modular fluid cooling assembly of claim 19,wherein the chiller box is fluidly connected to a secondary fluidsource.